2015 Political Quiz

Answer the following questions to see how your beliefs match each political party.

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Where do you side on social issues?

What is your stance on abortion? Learn more?

Abortion is a medical procedure resulting in the termination of a human pregnancy and death of a fetus. Abortion was banned in 30 states until the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. The ruling made abortion legal in all 50 states but gave them regulatory powers over when abortions could be performed during a pregnancy. Currently, all states must allow abortions early in pregnancies but may ban them in later trimesters. See public opinion

Pro-choice

Pro-life

Ban after the first trimester

Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child's health

Pro-choice, I don't agree with it but it's not my right or the government's to ban abortion

Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and social services could help reduce the number of abortions

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage? Learn more?

In 1996 the federal government enacted the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which allowed states to not recognize same sex marriages granted by other states. In June 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that that DOMA was unconstitutional. Currently, thirteen states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington), issue marriage licenses to same sex couples. See public opinion

Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

Yes, but allow churches the right to refuse gay marriage ceremonies

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How important is this to you?

Should a business, based on religious beliefs, be able to deny service to a customer? Learn more?

In 1993 the federal government passed the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law was intended to protect Native Americans in danger of losing their jobs because of religious ceremonies that involved the illegal drug peyote. Since then 20 states have passed their own versions of the “religious freedom” laws and 12 more have introduced the legislation this year. Supporters of the law argue that the government shouldn't force religious businesses and churches to serve customers who participate in lifestyles contrary to their owners’ beliefs. Proponents of the law argue that the political context has changed since 1992 and states are now passing their own versions of the law with the intent of discriminating against gay and lesbian couples. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, all customers deserve to be served and treated equally

Yes, but only in situations where a small business owner is asked to participate in an activity that violates their religious beliefs

Yes, but the owner must post a sign stating their beliefs and what they refuse

On August 1st, 2012 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) required all health insurers and employers to cover the cost of contraceptives in their health insurance plans. The provision currently exempts religious organizations and churches. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, it should be covered like any other prescription

No, let the insurance companies decide instead of a government mandate

No, the government should sponsor abstinence education programs instead

Yes, but exempt religious organizations or charities

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. remove references to God from currency, federal buildings, national monuments and other aspects of government?

Yes

No

No, religion is an important aspect of America's heritage

No, as long as there are no references to specific religions, a clear separation of church and state exists

Yes, but leave existing references and only remove future references

Yes, it creates a bias against religions that do not believe in God

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Should the federal government allow the death penalty? Learn more?

The death penalty or capital punishment is the punishment by death for a crime. Currently 58 countries worldwide allow the death penalty (including the U.S.) while 97 countries have outlawed it. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, life in prison is a harsher sentence

No, too many people are innocently convicted

Yes, but only in certain circumstances in which a heinous crime has been committed and there is irrefutable evidence

Yes, but allow the victim's family to decide the punishment

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Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? Learn more?

Euthanasia, the practice of ending a life prematurely in order to end pain and suffering, is currently considered a criminal offense. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only if there is zero chance for recovery

Yes, but only after a psychological examination to prove they are in a sound mental state

No, but they should be able to refuse artificial life support

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Should the federal government allow states to fly the confederate flag? Learn more?

In 1961, the South Carolina State Government passed a law mandating that the confederate flag be flown on the ground of its state capitol building. The law was passed to commemorate the centennial of the Civil War assault on Fort Sumter. Opponents argue that the flag is a political symbol that represents racial inequality and should be removed after the shooting deaths of nine African American church members in June 2015. Proponents argue that the flag is an important historical symbol that commemorates the state’s role in the Civil War. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, it is a symbol of racial hatred

Yes, each state has the right to display whichever flag they choose

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How important is this to you?

Where do you side on environmental issues?

Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent global warming? Learn more?

Global warming, or climate change, is an increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature since the late nineteenth century. In politics the debate over global warming is centered on whether this increase in temperature is due to greenhouse gas emissions or is the result of a natural pattern in the earth's temperature. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, tax carbon emissions instead

No, global warming is a natural occurrence

No, provide incentives for alternative energy instead

Yes, and provide incentives for alternative energy production

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How important is this to you?

Should National Parks continue to be preserved and protected by the federal government? Learn more?

The U.S. currently has 59 areas of land in 27 different states that are designated as National Parks by the federal government. The National Park Service Organic Act was signed into law in 1916 "To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but allow more public access

Yes, but allow limited logging, drilling, and mining

Yes, and expand the government's domain to protect more land

No, there is no reason for the government to own so much land

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Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? Learn more?

Fracking is the process of extracting oil or natural gas from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which fractures the rock and allows the oil or gas to flow out to a well. While fracking has significantly boosted oil production, there are environmental concerns that the process is contaminating groundwater. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but increase oversight

Yes, but not in heavily populated areas

No, more research is needed to measure the long term effects of fracking

No, we should pursue more sustainable energy sources instead

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Should the United States require labeling of genetically engineered foods? Learn more?

Currently, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) foods in the United States are not classified differently by the FDA and do not require labeling. Although no reports of ill effects from GMO foods have been documented, advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and the Organic Consumers Association argue that past studies cannot be trusted because they were sponsored by pro-GMO companies and do not measure the long-term effects on humans, the environment, and nature. Opponents argue that labeling adds an unfounded stigma over organic foods and that if a nutritional or allergenic difference were found, current FDA regulations would already require a label. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and ban all genetically modified foods

Yes, consumers have a right to know what is in their food

Yes, I trust the science of responsible food engineering but I don't trust the motives of the food companies

No, there is broad scientific consensus that GMO foods pose no greater risk over conventional food

No, we have selectively bred crops for thousands of years and labeling GMO foods adds an unfounded stigma to the science

Regardless, producers should not be able to patent genetically modified foods

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling? Learn more?

In 1990 President George H.W. Bush passed an executive order banning all offshore drilling in U.S. coastal waters. In response to rising gas prices in 2008 President George W. Bush lifted the ban. Currently, there are 3,500 offshore oil rigs, 79 of which are deep water wells. See public opinion

Yes

No

Nationalize the energy sector

Incentivize the private sector to develop alternative forms of energy

Deregulate and let the free market determine the best energy sources

No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

No, end all offshore oil drilling

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How important is this to you?

Should the federal government continue to give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry? Learn more?

As of July 2013, nearly 4% of all electricity generated in the U.S. is produced by wind turbines. By installing wind turbines on their properties farmers can earn up to tens of thousands of dollars per year in tax credits. Since 2008 these tax credits have amounted to more than $14 Billion. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, end all energy sector subsidies

No, the government should leave the energy sector alone and end support for failed technologies

No, traditional energy sources including oil, coal and nuclear power will be reliable energy sources for many years to come

Yes, the future of our economy relies on the creation of jobs in sustainable energy

Yes, the wind power industry is an important alternative to coal and natural gas

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How important is this to you?

Where do you side on economic issues?

Should employers be required to pay men and women, who perform the same work, the same salary? Learn more?

In 2014 the U.S. Senate blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act which would make it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who perform the same work. The goals of the act were to make wages more transparent, require employers to prove that wage discrepancies are tied to legitimate business qualifications and not gender and prohibiting companies from taking retaliatory action against employees who raise concerns about gender-based wage discrimination. Opponents argue that studies which show pay gaps don’t take into account women who take jobs that are more family-friendly in terms of benefits rather than wages and that women are more likely to take breaks in employment to care for children or parents. Proponents point to studies including a 2008 census bureau report that stated that women's median annual earnings were 77.5% of men's earnings. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and the government should never mandate prices or wages for private businesses

No, there are too many other variables such as education, experience, and tenure that determine a fair salary

Yes, and businesses should be required to publish their salary ranges for each position

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How important is this to you?

Should able-bodied, mentally capable adults who receive welfare be required to work?

Yes

No

Yes, adults who receive government benefits should be required to work

Yes, and eliminate welfare all together as it is not authorized in the Constitution

No, "workfare" is a form of slave labor

No, but their benefits would expire after two years of unemployment

No, but in order to receive benefits they should be looking for a job or enrolled in education and job training programs

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Should all welfare recipients be tested for drugs? Learn more?

Wisconsin Governor and potential 2016 Presidential candidate Scott Walker recently proposed drug testing everyone in Wisconsin who applies for state benefits including unemployment checks and food stamps. The applicants would be tested on a “suspicionless” basis, meaning all applicants would be tested – not just those with criminal backgrounds. Opponents of the proposal include civil libertarians and advocates of the poor who believe the government does not have the right to test people for drugs based on their economic status. Proponents argue that drug use often leads to economic plight and testing applicants for drugs will improve their livelihood by serving as a deterrent for narcotic abuse. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, this is a waste of time and money

No, only if they have a criminal history related to drug abuse

Regardless, we should end all social welfare programs

Yes, test anyone receiving money from the government including employees and politicians

Yes, and immediately terminate benefits for anyone testing positive

Yes, but provide treatment for those testing positive

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How important is this to you?

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? Learn more?

The federal minimum wage is the lowest wage at which employers may pay their employees. Since July 24, 2009 the U.S. federal minimum wage has been set at $7.25 per hour. In 2014 President Obama proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and tying it to an inflation index. The federal minimum wage applies to all federal employees including raise those who work on military bases, national parks and veterans working in nursing homes. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and make it a living wage

Yes, and adjust the wage level according to inflation every year

No, increasing the minimum wage will only cause prices to increase in a never ending cycle

No, most minimum wage jobs are meant to develop experience, not support a family

No, and eliminate all federal wage standards

Regardless, minimum wage standards should be adjusted by age group

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How important is this to you?

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?

Yes

No

Yes, and increase taxes

Yes, eliminate government agencies that are not within constitutional strictures

No, cuts to public spending will have a negative impact on the economy

No, increase taxes on large multinational corporations instead

No, reduce military spending instead

No, increase taxes instead

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Should the U.S. reduce corporate income tax rates? Learn more?

Currently, federal corporate income tax rates vary from 15% to 35%. Due to loopholes and offshore headquarters, many company pay significantly less with several major corporations paying no taxes at all. Some economists argue that the tax should be abolished in place of higher taxes on certain high earning individuals and stock market transactions. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, raise corporate income tax rates

No, corporations should pay a 35% tax rate just like the average American taxpayer and heavily penalized if they don't

Switch to a flat tax with no deductions

Yes, but eliminate loopholes and require corporations to pay a minimum tax

Yes, but only for corporations that hire exclusively in the U.S.

Yes, and abolish corporate income taxes

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How important is this to you?

Should Wall Street executives be criminally charged for their roles in the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis? Learn more?

Since the 2008 financial crisis, no Wall Street Executives have paid fines or gone to jail for their roles in selling fraudulent mortgage backed securities to investors. Instead of criminal charges, the six largest U.S. banks have paid over $70 Billion in fines to the U.S. Government. As part of the settlements, none will have to admit to any wrongdoing. Opponents argue that these fines are enough and jailing top Wall Street Executives will de-stabilize our financial system. Proponents argue that the fraud committed by the banks are criminal and the individual executives who orchestrated them should be fined and jailed. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and nationalize the banks

Yes, these executives committed fraud and should be fined and jailed for their roles in creating the largest financial crisis since the great depression

No, the banks have already paid fines and jailing these executives could destabilize our financial system

No, lawmakers are more to blame for allowing the subprime mortgage crisis to occur

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How important is this to you?

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? Learn more?

Labor unions represent workers in many industries in the United States. Their role is to bargain over wages, benefits, working conditions for their membership. Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level. See public opinion

Help

Hurt

Help, but ban their ability to make political donations

Help, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited

Hurt, I support some private unions but am strongly against public sector labor unions

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How important is this to you?

Should the federal government subsidize U.S. farmers?

Yes

No

Yes, as long as they are organic farms

Yes, as long as it is a temporary measure to stabilize prices

Yes, but only subsidize small local farms instead of large corporations

No, end all government subsidies and let the free market run its course

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Should pension plans for federal, state and local government workers be transitioned into private plans? Learn more?

The average retired federal employee receives a pension (retirement plan) of $32,824 annually. Total unfunded pension liability for all U.S. cities and counties is an estimated $574 billion. In addition to their pensions, federal employees are offered a 401(k) plus 5% matching, whereas the average private employee is offered 3 percent matching of 401(k) without pension. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, pension spending is out of control and must be reduced

Yes, phase out into privately managed plan for future workers

No, current pensions play an important role in the well being of our senior citizens

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Would you favor an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes? Learn more?

Most local governments in the United States impose a property tax as a principal source of revenue. This tax may be imposed on real estate or personal property. The tax is nearly always computed as the fair market value of the property times an assessment ratio times a tax rate. Values are determined by local officials, and may be disputed by property owners. A primary advantage of a property tax over a sales tax or income tax is that the revenue always equals the tax levy, unlike the other taxes, which can result in shortfalls producing budget deficits. The property tax always produces the required revenue for municipalities' tax levies. Property owners, especially seniors, believe the tax is unfair and does not represent the owner's ability to pay. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but decrease tax rates for seniors

No, property taxes are the most reliable and consistent form of state revenue

Yes, but dramatically decrease government spending instead of raising taxes

Yes, property taxes rates do not reflect the owners ability to pay

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How important is this to you?

Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership? Learn more?

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade deal that would make it easier for American companies to sell their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries. The deal will benefit American service companies who will be able to open up operations in Asian and South American countries. Opponents argue that this bill will incentivize US companies to move service and manufacturing jobs overseas. Proponents argue that it would make American companies more successful at selling their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries, leading to a stronger economy, more jobs and higher incomes for American workers. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, this will incentivize companies to move U.S. jobs overseas

No, there are too many hidden provisions in this specific agreement

Yes, when every country focuses on what it is best at, the overall economic pie becomes bigger

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How important is this to you?

Where do you side on domestic policy issues?

Should every person purchasing a gun be required to pass a criminal and public safety background check? Learn more?

Universal background checks require individuals to pass a criminal and public safety background check before purchasing a firearm. The background check consists of the firearm retailer calling a toll-free number or website (National Instant Criminal Background Check System or NICS) to check the eligibility of the buyer. The NICS system is a composite of several FBI databases, such as the National Crime Information Center, and runs the buyer's name through federal and state criminal records. Individuals can also be added to the NICS system on the recommendation of psychiatrists, mental health institutions and family members. Under the current NICS system, buyers may be denied the purchase of a firearm for reasons such as being indicted or convicted of a felony, admitting to being addicted to a controlled substance, having been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces, being subject to a restraining order, as well as other regulations. Currently, around 2% of gun background checks are denied. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, except for private transfer of ownership between family members

No, background checks are ineffective and a waste of government resources

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How important is this to you?

Do you support increased gun control? Learn more?

The 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings caused several states and cities to pass strict gun control measures. In response, state lawmakers in gun friendly states in the South and West passed bills that would strengthen Stand Your Ground laws and allow weapons in most public places. In 2014, 21 states passed laws that expanded the rights of gun owners allowing them to possess firearms in churches, bars, schools and college campuses. The federal government has not passed any gun control measures since the 1994 Brady Bill and 42 states now allow the possession of assault rifles. In the U.S. two-thirds of all gun deaths are suicides and in 2010 there were 19,000 firearm suicides and 11,000 firearm suicides. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, only for assault weapons

No, only for individuals with mental health issues and convicted felons

No, but increase penalties for gun-related crimes

No, and the federal government should pass national “stand your ground” laws

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? Learn more?

A term limit is a law that limits the amount of time a political representative may hold an elected office. In the U.S. the office of the President is restricted to two four year terms. There are currently no term limits for Congressional terms but various states and cities have enacted term limits for their elected officials at the local level. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, term limits are a necessary political apparatus to prevent corruption in our government

No, legislating is a complicated process that could be thrown into turmoil if too many congressman do not have enough experience

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Should internet service providers be allowed to prioritize traffic for websites that pay higher rates than their competitors? Learn more?

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all data on the internet equally. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only if it's strictly based on a pay-per-quality model

Yes, this would make the internet faster and more reliable for users

Yes, but only give priority by type (video over images) and not source (big website over little website)

No, treat all traffic equally and continue the openness of the internet

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Should the NSA be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations? Learn more?

Under a provision of the Patriot Act the NSA is allowed to collect phone metadata — the numbers, time stamps, and duration of a call, but not its actual content. Opponents include civil liberties advocates and Senator Rand Paul who argue that the collection is unconstitutional since it is done without a warrant. Supporters of the collection argue that the collection is necessary to track suspected terrorists. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish the NSA

No, only with a warrant showing probable cause of criminal activity

Yes, basic data collection is necessary to track suspected terrorists

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How important is this to you?

Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?

Yes

No

Yes, most but not all drugs

Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time for drug use

No, we should pass tougher drug laws

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Should corporations and unions be permitted to fund advertisements backing political candidates through political action committees (Super PACS)?

Yes

No

Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

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How important is this to you?

Do you support the Patriot act? Learn more?

In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patriot Act expanded intelligence gathering capabilities including: monitoring of foreign financial transactions, detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism, wiretaps, business record searches, and surveillance of individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Learn more or See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

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How important is this to you?

Do you support affirmative action programs? Learn more?

Affirmative action is a policy that encourages the increased representation of members of a minority group. In the U.S. these policies are often enacted by employers and educational institutions in education or employment. See public opinion

Yes

No

Regardless, we should offer social programs to address poverty regardless of race or ethnicity

No, and laws should be passed prohibiting minority groups from receiving any favorable treatment

Yes, and laws should be passed requiring all federal agencies to give favorable treatments to minorities

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Should the redrawing of Congressional districts be controlled by an independent, non-partisan commission? Learn more?

Currently, the redistricting of congressional boundaries is controlled by state legislature every ten years. Gerrymandering is the redrawing of districts with the intent of benefiting a political party. It is most often implemented by state political parties with the intent of marginalizing districts of voters who represent the minority party. To gain extra seats, the incumbent party will redraw voting districts so that voters of the minority party will be grouped into smaller districts with less seats. Critics of gerrymandering say these practices allow incumbent representatives to choose their voters instead of voters choosing them. Proponents say that drawing districts is a privilege of the ruling party and have little effect on the popularity of their policies or candidates. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, there is no better alternative

No, gerrymandering allows officials to more effectively represent the interests of their constituency

Yes, gerrymandering gives an unfair advantage to the party in power during redistricting

Yes, switch to a multi-member, proportionally selected redistricting system

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Should the government raise the retirement age for Social Security? Learn more?

Former Florida Governor Bush recently told CBS News that the current basic retirement age of 65 needs to go to 68 or 70 as a way to sustain Social Security for those now under 40. The Social Security retirement age is based on a sliding scale which takes into account when the recipient was born and whether they want to retire early in return for a reduction in monthly benefits. The current age to begin receiving benefits is set at 65 for those born prior to 1938. Under current law, it rises gradually to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Proponents argue that Americans are living longer and healthier lives than they did when Social Security was founded and the program will run $7.7 trillion in the red during the next 75 years. Opponents argue that Social Security provides at least half of total retirement income for more than two-thirds of all retirees and raising the age will rob lower income seniors of necessary benefits. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, people are now living longer than when the program was created

No, this will disadvantage lower income seniors whose life expectancy is lower than wealthier seniors

Regardless, we should phase out Social Security into privately managed retirement accounts

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Where do you side on healthcare issues?

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? Learn more?

The Affordable Care Act is a federal statute signed into law in 2010 that introduces a sweeping overhaul of the nation's healthcare system. The act grants the federal government significant regulatory powers and price controls over U.S. medical service providers and insurance companies. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects

Yes, but a mandatory single payer system would be even better

Yes, and allow consumers to choose providers and import pharmaceuticals from other countries (Canada)

No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and drive down costs

No, the government should not be involved in the medical business

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Do you support the legalization of Marijuana? Learn more?

U.S. law currently bans the sale and possession of all forms of marijuana. in 2014 Colorado and Washington will become the first states to legalize and regulate marijuana contrary to federal laws. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for medical use

Yes, and immediately free all citizens jailed for drug offenses

Yes, and legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

No, and increase penalties for all non-violent drug offenders

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Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)? Learn more?

When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was enacted in 2010 it required all states to expand their Medicaid programs to include people with incomes slightly higher than those allowed under traditional Medicaid, as well as groups, like childless adults, that had not previously been covered. In 2012 the Supreme Court ruled that forcing States to expand their Medicaid coverage was unconstitutional. Since then 22 states have expanded their coverage and more than 35 have opted not to do so. Proponents of the expansion argue that it will lower healthcare costs for everyone by reducing the number of Americans without health insurance. Opponents argue that states should be allowed to run their own Medicaid programs without the intervention of the federal government. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish Medicaid

No, and let each state decide their own level of coverage

No, and eligibility should only include the elderly and disabled

No, and the federal government should not increase funding for any social programs

Yes, but I prefer switching to a single payer healthcare system

Yes, but only increase for the elderly and disabled

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Where do you side on education issues?

Would you support increasing taxes on the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans? Learn more?

Last Spring the U.S. Senate defeated The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act by a vote of 58-38. The act, proposed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) would lower the interest rate on existing student loans from 7% to 3.86%. The act would be financed by levying a mandatory income tax of 30% on everyone who earns between $1 Million and $2 Million dollars per year. Proponents argue that current student loan interest rates are nearly double normal interest rates and should be lowered to provide relief for millions of low-income borrowers. Opponents argue that the borrowers agreed to pay the interest rates when they took out the loans and taxing the rich would hurt the economy. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and move all loans to the private sector

Yes, and increase public funding so every student receives a free college education

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How important is this to you?

Do you support the adoption of Common Core national educational standards? Learn more?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an education initiative that details what K-12 students should know in English and Math at the end of each grade. The initiative is sponsored by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers and seeks to establish consistent education standards across the states as well as ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to enter two or four year college programs or enter the workforce. Learn more or See public opinion

Yes

No

I support the concept but not the implementation

No, it's too costly and complicated to change my state's current educational standards to Common Core

No, the Common Core Standards are a watered down version of my state's current education standards

No, education should be handled at the state and local level instead of the national level

No, teach to each student's potential instead of uniform testing

Yes, national educational standards will help improve our national average and better prepare students for college

Yes, I support a national base standard but allow states and local districts to customize their implementation

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Where do you side on foreign policy issues?

Should the government decrease military spending?

Yes

No

No, increase the military budget

No, but eliminate excess profits from all defense contracts and military expenditures

Do not change current military budget

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Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights?

Yes

No

Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

No, they are not U.S. citizens and should be subject to enhanced interrogation methods

No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

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Should the U.S. formally declare war on ISIS? Learn more?

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) recently proposed declaring war against the Islamic State (ISIS). The declaration would give the President more authority to carry out broader attacks on the militant group without Congressional approval. Opponents argue that the order would give the President too much power by eliminating Congressional oversight. Proponents argue that fighting an organization like ISIS requires an unconventional war plan that requires the President to make quick decisions without Congressional oversight. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, not until they attack us on American soil

No, we should stay out of middle eastern conflicts

No, we should not legitimize ISIS as a sovereign entity

Yes, but only with full cooperation from the United Nations

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. maintain a presence at the United Nations?

Yes

No

Scale back our current involvement

No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect U.S. interests

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Should the U.S. continue to support Israel?

Yes

No

No, we should be less involved

No, cut all support and aid

No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

Not the current administration

Yes, and with more aid and support

Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

Yes, and increase funding to support the decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem

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Should the military fly drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists? Learn more?

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles deployed by U.S. defense and intelligence agencies to collect data and strike suspected enemy targets. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only with permission from the country in question

Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism

No, the U.S. military does not have the right to fly unmanned aircraft over foreign countries without a Congressional declaration of war.

No, only to gather intelligence, not to kill suspected terrorists

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Should the U.S. conduct targeted airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities? Learn more?

In July 2015 the U.S. reached an accord with Iran to limit their ability to put uranium or plutonium in weapons. Iran agreed to turn one nuclear plant into a scientific research facility and shut another one down. Iran agreed to let the International Atomic Energy Agency inspect these sites. Critics argue that the deal gave too many concessions to the Iranians including a provision that gives them up to 24 days to grant inspectors access to their facilities. Proponents argue that the deal makes the possibility of Iran developing a nuclear weapon in the next 25 years extremely remote. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, only after all diplomatic options have been exhausted

No, there is little evidence that Iran is producing a bomb

Yes, but only if intelligence provides undeniable evidence they are making weapons

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Do you support President Obama's recent move to lift the trade and travel embargo on Cuba? Learn more?

In December 2014 President Obama ordered the restoration of full democratic relations with Cuba. The order lifted a 54 year old trade embargo and eased restrictions on banking and American’s travel to the country. Proponents of relations with Cuba argue that U.S. influence through tourism and trade will promote capitalism and weaken its communist regime. Opponents argue that trade and diplomatic relations will only strengthen the communist regime’s grip on the Cuban government. See public opinion

Yes

No

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Should the U.S. continue NSA surveillance of its allies? Learn more?

The cache of documents revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden disclosed that the U.S. used surveillance methods to monitor the emails and phone calls of its closest foreign allies including Germany, France and Brazil. The revelations have severely damaged the U.S.'s relationship with these countries even though State Department officials have insisted that these surveillance programs have thwarted many terrorist threats worldwide. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish the NSA

No, spying on our allies will severely damage our reputation abroad

Yes, surveillance of all foreign countries is essential to tracking potential terrorist threats

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Where do you side on immigration issues?

Should illegal immigrants be given access to government-subsidized healthcare?

Yes

No

No, but their children should have access

No, deport illegal immigrants seeking healthcare

No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

Yes, but only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

Yes, if they pay taxes

Yes, and grant them citizenship

No, the government should not subsidize healthcare

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Do you support stronger measures to increase our border security?

Yes

No

No, and adopt an open border policy

No, just enforce the current border policy

No, make it easier for immigrants to access temporary work visas

Yes, and allow bordering states to manage their own border security

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Should immigrants to the U.S. be required to learn English?

Yes

No

No, America has and always will be a melting pot of diversity

No, but remove multilingual translations from government documents and services

Yes, and remove multilingual translations from government documents and services

Yes, but the government should provide free language learning courses

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Should children of illegal immigrants be granted citizenship?

Yes

No

Yes, if they were born here

Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

Yes, but after they turn 18 and apply for citizenship

Yes, but after 4 years of military service or earning a college degree

Yes, and abolish all national borders

No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

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Should illegal immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state? Learn more?

Currently sixteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington) allow illegal immigrants to pay the same in-state tuition rates as other residents of the state. To qualify, students must have attended a school in the state for a certain number of years, have graduated high school in the state, have confirmed they are applying for legal citizenship. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, as long as they pay taxes

Yes, and grant financial assistance and scholarships

Yes, but do not grant financial assistance and scholarships

No, they should pay the same rate as out-of-state students

No, and illegal immigrants should be deported

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Should illegal immigrants working in the U.S. be granted temporary amnesty? Learn more?

Amnesty is an act by passed by the federal government which grants immunity from immigration laws to undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. Various levels of criteria have been proposed for immigrants to be granted amnesty including proof of employment and willingness to pay taxes. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but allow them to stay

No, remove them from the U.S.

No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for non-violent criminals

Yes, but only if they pay taxes

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Should law enforcement be allowed to detain illegal immigrants for minor crimes so that federal immigration authorities can take custody of them? Learn more?

On October 7, 2013 California Governor Jerry Brown signed a state bill prohibiting law-enforcement officials from detaining an individual on the basis of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold after that person becomes eligible for release, unless he or she has been charged with or convicted of certain crimes, including violent felonies. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, too many non-violent immigrants are deported

No, only if they are convicted of a violent crime

Yes, all illegal immigrants should be turned over to federal authorities and deported